Get ready for a delightful experience with “The Chicken Sisters.”

Now streaming on Hallmark+, this original series is crafted by executive producer Annie Mebane, known for her work in “The Goldbergs” and “Shrinking,” who has put her unique spin on KJ Dell’Antonia’s novel from 2020.

The adaptation takes place in the fictional town of Merinac, Kansas, where the rivalry over fried chicken goes beyond just flavor preferences. The community is split between fans of Mimi’s and Frannie’s, two formerly close friends who find themselves at odds when Frannie suspects her husband may be the father of Mimi’s child.

Dell’Antonia’s inspiration came from two iconic eateries, Chicken Annie’s and Chicken Mary’s, located in Pittsburg, Kansas, which were frequent childhood haunts for her.

“They are still open, and I’ve since learned they are truly landmarks in southeastern Kansas,” shares Dell’Antonia. Her family favored Chicken Annie’s, never setting foot in Chicken Mary’s, leading her to find the rivalry intriguing.

“I envisioned this as a compelling story to share,” she adds, “and eventually I considered creating a fictional version of it.”

The fictional narrative follows Amanda (played by Schuyler Fisk), a member of the Moore family that owns Mimi’s, who is married to Frank Hillier Jr. (James Kot), from the rival Frannie’s family. Amanda invites the competitive reality show “Kitchen Clash” to cast her hometown in a favorable light, aiming to gain recognition both personally and within her marriage to her childhood sweetheart, son of Nancy Hillier (Lea Thompson).

Mebane describes Amanda as “a woman facing a significant decision, someone who has followed the right path and been good throughout her life but is questioning where that has led her.”

Amanda’s mother, Augusta “Gus” Moore (Wendie Malick), disapproves of her working at Frannie’s, while Amanda’s sister Mae (Genevieve Angelson), who turned her back on their small town, returns for the show in hopes of rescuing her emerging hosting career.

Reese Witherspoon recommended the novel to her book club on Instagram, calling it “a genuinely funny, heartwarming read.” She suggested, “If you have a sister, you’re bound to appreciate this book.”

If you’re familiar with the book or heard about it, you may be curious how the show aligns with the popular novel.

Key Consistency in the Series

Dell’Antonia did not participate in the adaptation process for the TV show, clarifying, “I specifically stated that I write books. Crafting a TV series is not my expertise.”

She insisted that the setting of Kansas remain intact, as it “doesn’t often receive much representation in stories. I attended high school and college there. Other states with small towns boast charming tales about their communities, and I know firsthand that they aren’t necessarily more appealing.”

Major Alteration: Frank Jr. is Alive

In the novel, Amanda is a widow, but in the series, her husband Frank Jr. is very much alive, providing a new dynamic that allows viewers to see Amanda’s thoughts and feelings more clearly—something that was only accessible through internal dialogue in the book.

Dell’Antonia explains, “Bringing Frank to the screen allows for Amanda’s character to be explained in ways that would have been otherwise impossible.”

However, Frank Jr.’s existence complicates Amanda’s growing feelings for Sergio (Ektor Rivera). Mebane shares, “What’s intriguing about the show is that the characters sometimes make choices that viewers may not agree with. Yet, I hope viewers can empathize with their motivations throughout the series and still support them.”

Furthermore, Mebane and her team decided to change Mae’s character from being married with children to being engaged, simplifying the storyline and allowing a deeper focus on her emotional journey.

“My aim is to streamline the plot so we can concentrate on Mae’s experiences,” adds Mebane.

Does the Series Adapt the Entire Novel?

Mebane confirms that the season encompasses all significant plot points from the book.

“If we are fortunate enough to receive additional seasons, we would explore the characters and the world established in the book further.”

“We should elaborate on what’s in the series and continue from that point,” she mentions, “constantly envisioning future possibilities.”

When will ‘The Chicken Sisters’ be available?

The premiere of “The Chicken Sisters” is set for September 10, aligning with the launch of Hallmark+. Following the initial release, new episodes of the eight-part series will air every Thursday starting September 12.

How can you watch ‘The Chicken Sisters’?

You can enjoy “The Chicken Sisters” by streaming it on Hallmark+, which Darren Abbott, the chief brand officer, referred to as a “lifestyle bundle” during a press briefing in July.

This platform will offer an expanded selection of programs not previously accessible on Hallmark Movies Now, showcasing the network’s shift towards unscripted series featuring its talents, as well as monthly free greeting cards for subscribers.

Subscriptions to Hallmark+ are priced at $79.99 annually or approximately $7.99 monthly.